Campaign group formed to oppose Yorkshire Dales wind farm plans

A campaign group has been formed to oppose plans for a major wind farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

If approved, 20 turbines standing about 200m (656ft) high would be built near Stang Forest between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale.

Residents said they launched Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group to “save the wildlife corridor and protect the skyline” from the green energy development.

A spokesperson for the wind farm project said the feedback from people living in surrounding areas was “central to our approach”.

Members of the action group claimed the wind farm would be visible for 75 miles (120km) away and seen from West Yorkshire, Teesside, Tyneside and the Lake District.

Fred Olsen Renewables, which submitted the proposal, said the Hope Moor Wind Farm would generate enough energy to power 81,000 homes and businesses.

It said consultations would take place throughout 2026 before the submission of an application in 2027.

The action group said the proposed development would damage a landscape home to numerous rare and protected birds.

It said the peatland was vital for storing carbon and helping to achieve the country’s climate goals.

The action group has more than 400 members on social media, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Suzy Wilson, group spokesperson, said: “While the group supports renewable energy as a vital tool in combating climate change, it strongly opposes developments that cause irreversible damage to ecologically sensitive habitats, peatlands and ancient woodlands.

“The proposed site is thriving and forms a critical wildlife haven essential for biodiversity.”

She added: “Planning for the site has been ongoing for over a year, but there was a clear lack of engagement regarding the proposals.”

Kelly Wyness, Hope Moor Wind Farm senior project manager, said further information would be shared in a public consultation opening in early 2026.

He added: “We recognise the importance and value of fully engaging with communities, but we want to ensure that everyone has all the necessary information available to determine their opinion.

“Listening to and learning from local people is central to our approach. As a family-run business, this is entrenched in everything we do.”